The funeral procession for Rosh HaCham Shalom Cohen, president of the Shas Council of Torah Scholars, who passed away tonight at the age of 91, began shortly before 2:00 PM.
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Immediately after his death in the early morning, his bed was placed in the Porat Yosef Yeshiva on Yosef Ben Matityahu Street in the Geula neighborhood of Jerusalem - from there a funeral procession departed for the Sanhedria Cemetery at the Bar Ilan Junction, where he will be buried next to his wife, Rebbetzin Yael.
The Haredim 10 website broadcast the funeral procession and eulogies live, using 'Shi'a Live' live broadcasts.
The funeral procession, led by Torah scholars, rabbis and yeshivot heads, was attended by members of the Council of Torah Sages, the Rishonim of Zion, his brothers-in-law - the rabbinical brothers of the Ben Shimon family, his sons, and the Grand Rabbi Lau.
During the funeral procession, the eminent Rabbi Shmuel Bezalel, one of the heads of the Porat Yosef Yeshiva, announced that the son of Chacham Shalom, Rabbi Shimon Cohen, would be appointed to replace his father as head of the yeshiva.
In his eulogy, Rabbi Bezalel said: "Hachem Shalom would learn the duty of the hearts on the road - he knew it by heart, he purified his body. He would cry for love of Israel, he loved each and every one. He was the greatest of all people. He never complained about sugar or salt that was missing in a drink or dish. And in order not to offend, he also did not add any himself so that they would not offend.".
The Chief Rabbi Yosef eulogized: "Chacham Shalom was completely immersed in the world of Torah. He brought peace among the entire Haredi camp - Sephardim and Ashkenazim. He raised many students and everyone loved him very much.".
""He stood to the right of Maran Ha-Abba for years and he was the one who pressured him to establish the Shas movement. Maran Ha-Abba was concerned, and Chakam Shalom convinced him to establish the holy movement. Everything is attributed to him.".
""We lost him, the entire generation lost him. There is no one to consult with, no one to receive Torah from. Such a great man is leaving us. When he needed to lead, we saw our teacher give his life, about 12 years ago when the problem of IDF conversions arose, he was fasting. Rabbi Ovadia trusted him in all matters, I heard from him how he would praise him and say that he could be trusted. I consulted with him a lot on issues of the Chief Rabbinate, when they made the kashrut law or when they wanted to make the law for conversions.
""How much Torah is missing, a great void has opened up in the world of Torah. A great emptiness, a duty imposed on everyone to increase Torah.".
The funeral procession passed through Malkei Yisrael, Brandes, Jeremiah, Bar Ilan streets - to the Sanhedria Cemetery.
In preparation for the funeral, buses from all over the country will transport thousands of mourners.
As part of preparations for the funeral procession, the Israel Police are blocking major roads in Jerusalem.
The Israel Police has prepared reinforced forces for the funeral procession. Hundreds of Jerusalem District police officers and police reinforcements, under the command of Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Doron Turgeman, are taking part in security missions, maintaining public order and directing traffic - all in order to maintain public peace and enable the funeral procession to proceed smoothly.
Due to the expected traffic blockages in the area of the funeral procession, there may be traffic congestion and drivers will be directed to alternative routes.
Drivers are asked to avoid coming to the area from noon to evening unnecessarily, and to obey police instructions.
Changes in traffic arrangements:
Starting in the early afternoon (around 1:00 PM), the following roads will be closed to vehicle traffic:
???? Joseph Ben Matityahu Street.
???? Kings of Israel Street.
???? Brands Street.
???? Jeremiah Street.
???? Bar Ilan Street.
???? Shmuel Hanevi Street from Yehezkel Street towards Bar Ilan.
Levi Eshkol Street will be blocked in the section between the Bar Ilan intersection and the Border Patrol Street intersection.
Please note: The roads will open to traffic depending on the progress of the funeral procession, and there may be changes to the date of the closures.
Instructions to the public:
????In light of the expected arrival of many thousands wishing to participate in the funeral procession, one must be patient and avoid urgency and stressful situations.
????We ask the public to act with restraint, responsibility, and obey the instructions of the police in order to allow the funeral procession to proceed smoothly.
????It is strictly forbidden to climb fences, balconies, trees, buildings and roofs or hang from a moving vehicle, including emergency and rescue vehicles – and be very careful!
????It is recommended to use navigation applications that will be updated regarding blockages and changes in traffic arrangements.
????It is recommended to reach the area by public transportation.
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The Ministry of Transportation is preparing to increase public transportation as much as possible in preparation for the funeral procession.
The ministry has instructed public transportation operators to increase service to and from the funeral area as much as possible. Among other things, intercity lines from Bnei Brak, Ashdod, Tiberias, Elad, Netivot, Beit Shemesh and Safed will be increased.
There will also be changes to the schedules and routes of urban and intercity lines, among other things, depending on road closures by the police.
Employees of the National Public Transportation Authority will manage the transportation system, at the Traffic Management Center in Jerusalem and at central stations and routes in Jerusalem.
At the same time, Israel Railways will increase train service to Jerusalem from central stations, with an emphasis on Tel Aviv stations. The railway will provide special trains that will be operated when necessary, both towards Jerusalem in preparation for the funeral, and towards the center after the funeral.
